HUNDREDS of people came to together in a colourful, music-filled tribute to the life of Karl Daymond.

The much-loved singer and community organiser died suddenly at the beginning of August aged 52 and the celebration remembered an exuberant life characterised by a huge generosity of spirit.

The celebration started with a parade headed by a tractor and trailer and open-air bus from the centre of Chepstow to a field near Karl’s home at Elmdale, Tutshill.

Inside a giant tent gathered members of the singing clubs Karl organised including the Forest of Dean, Chepstow and Duke’s Yard clubs and the Chepstow Chatelaines, fellow performers, his husband Ian McNeil and friends from the LGBT community, the refugee charity iNeed, members of the Forest of Dean Labour Party and a neighbour who lives near the wood on the outskirts of Chepstow that he bought.

Mr McNeil said: “Karl is the gift that keeps on giving. Karl, if he was about anything was about seizing the moment and this is what this day is all about.”

Frances Phillips said the singing clubs he established over the last 10 years were “a wonderful family.”

She added: “In a word it was joyous – a community never a choir – built on his unsquashable energy and enthusiasm, inclusivity and friendship.”

Among the performers were Pippa Dames-Longworth who first met him in Belgium more than 15 years ago and a trio of Syrian musicians who he has mentored.

There were also games and cake – one of which featured him at the piano and others spelling out one of his favourite phrases: “Hiya, love!”

Friends have been raising money for the Kaleidoscope charity which campaigns for LGBT rights and Karl’s niece Izzy Harris said they have so far raised £5,000.